Karnataka’s health authorities are intensifying their monitoring efforts following a recent outbreak of Acute Diarrheal Disease (ADD) in two taluks of Uttara Kannada district. The outbreak, which affected 61 pilgrims returning from Pandharpur, Maharashtra, was linked to contaminated water consumed from a community hall’s overhead tank.
In response, Health and Family Welfare Department Principal Secretary Harsh Gupta has instructed district health officers (DHOs) and disease surveillance officers (DSOs) to closely track ADD cases and observe each individual for two to four weeks for any potential signs of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). Bacterial infections, such as Campylobacter jejuni, known to trigger diarrhea, can also increase the risk of developing GBS through an autoimmune response that targets the peripheral nerves.
The state health department has been proactive in response to the surge of GBS cases in Maharashtra, which saw 207 cases and 8 fatalities. In an effort to protect the public, Karnataka has announced that Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy will be offered free of charge to patients requiring treatment.
Gupta assured the public that while GBS cases are being recorded, the majority are of the non-fulminating variety, which typically progresses slowly and poses a lower risk of fatality. This is in contrast to the fast-moving and more dangerous fulminating cases reported in Pune. The state’s health department remains focused on ensuring effective surveillance and intervention.
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